Tom Rogic won't join Graham Arnold in Japan

Race against time: Socceroos midfielder Tom Rogic is in need of more match fitness ahead of June's World Cup in Brazil. Photo: Getty Images

Socceroos midfielder Tom Rogic will not be linking up with his former Central Coast Mariners boss Graham Arnold in Japan as he tries desperately to get game time to strengthen his World Cup claims.

Arnold, who left the Mariners earlier this season to take over at J-League club Vegalta Sendai, had been linked with a move for the talented Celtic player, who has not been able to make himself a regular first teamer with the Glasgow giants since moving there a year ago.

Arnold's manager James Hardy said his client still admires Rogic's talent but the timeframe for him to be of much use to Vegalta before he would have to link up with the Socceroos ahead of the World Cup was limited given that the J-League season kicks off in March.

"Tom is an exceptional talent, a tremendous footballer who is highly admired by Graham Arnold and all staff at Vegalta Sendai," Hardy said in a statement.

"However,the financial terms offered - considering Tom's limited availability as FIFA states that all players are to be released by May 17 for the World Cup and the J league doesn't start till March 1, makes this move to Sendai not feasible".

"Sendai have also just recently sold their goalkeeper and they might possibly need to strengthen this position, We are all disappointed however we hope this puts an end to the speculation.'

Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou has warned Rogic and several other young hopefuls who are currently not playing first-team football that their places in the squad for Brazil could be in jeopardy unless they secure regular game time in a strong league.